The Rays acquired four players in the last week, all of which are (presumably) bound for the minor leagues — 1B Allan Dykstra, RHP Bryce Stowel, RHP Jose Dominguez, and starter from Class-A named Greg Harris. If you recall, both Dominguez and Harris came over in the trade of Joel Peralta with the Dodgers, while Dykstra (no relation to Lenny) and Stowel were acquired off the free-agent market, and signed to minor league contracts.
In our newly minted Hot-Stove series Meet the Newest Acquisitions, I’ll introduce you to the newest Rays.
Allen Dykstra
Dykstra was penned as the heir apparent to the first baseman spot with the Mets if Lucas Duda couldn’t earn his keep. Yet Dykstra ended 2014 on the free-agent market after a promotion to Triple-A at the start of the season.
Thanks to a lackluster fielding percentage (.981) and a progressively increasing number of errors, Dykstra can be considered more of a designated hitter at this point in his career. The former Met impressively slashed .283 BA/.428 OBP/.507 SLG/.935 OPS last season, while his .418 wOBA (.398 in 2013) was good for a 165 wRC+.
The most impressive thing about Dykstra is his approach. He rarely swings at pitches outside of the zone (9.1%) and Dykstra is willing to take his walks — a 20% BB-rate since 2012 speaks to that. Per Baseball-Reference, it’s not uncommon for Dykstra to have as many hits and walks in any given season — he had the same number of hits as walks in 2013. If Dykstra makes it to the bigs this season, he can offer Tampa Bay bench depth and could fill the Rays as of now empty DH hole.
Bryce Stowel
The Rays re-signed the right handed Bryce Stowell after he posted a career best 1.99 ERA and 2.54 FIP in 49-2/3 relief innings with the Montgomery Biscuits last season.
Jose Dominguez
As I wrote on November 21st, new RHP Jose Dominguez was the Dodgers number 11 prospect going into 2014 per Baseball America, citing his 100-plus mph fastball. Dominguez, made the Dodgers’ opening day roster but spent much of the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, going 1-2 with 10 saves and a 3.24 ERA over a 33-⅓ IP span. He missed some time with an injured shoulder, though he returned to pitch in the minor-league playoffs. He will compete for a spot in the Rays bullpen but has options and could open at Triple-A Durham.
Dominguez features a plus-plus fastball that sits 96-98 MPH and regularly touches 100. He backs that up with a fringy power curveball. He has a 9.5 K/9, so missing bats is no problem for Dominguez. He’ll have to hone his breaking ball going forward if he wants to be a late-inning reliever.
Dominguez has struggled with his command at times; a 4.26 BB/9 and 25% HR/FB in 2014 speak to that. Injuries have brought each of his last two seasons to an early end and he’ll have to prove he can stay healthy to reach his potential in Rays bullpen. There is also a concern of his potential reluctance to learn a secondary pitch. Being able to throw 100 is wonderful, but if you have control issues and something else to keep hitters honest, they will make you pay.
Greg Harris
The Dodgers selected Harris in the 17th round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. He spent his first full professional season with Class-A Great Lakes, where he went 7-6 with a 4.45 ERA in 22 games. He struck out 92 batters and walked 28 in 87 innings. Harris pitches well off his fastball which he typically throws it around 90 mph (topping out at 95 mph), though scouts think he can add velocity as he fills out his lanky frame. He has improved his secondary pitches and both his curveball and changeup show promise. Harris reportedly has an advanced feel for pitching, which has helped ease his transition to the professional ranks. Many think he’ll ultimately end up in the bullpen, although he’s ticketed for a rotation spot in the minors for the time being.
Noteworthiness
- The Rays both Jose Molina and Cole Figueroa on release waivers. Either player could be claimed by another team for as little as $1.oo, and that team would then assume the player’s salary for 2015 and need to add him to the 40-man roster. Otherwise, both Molina and Figueroa can accept an assignment to Triple-A and keep his salary, or opt for free agency and forsake his contract with the franchise.
- I can’t say this was unexpected. Bill Chastain, the Rays beat writer MLB.com, tweeted that now former bench coach Davey Martinez has decided to leave the Rays after being overlooked in the Rays search for a new manager.
Davey Martinez has decided to leave the Rays. #Rays
— Bill Chastain (@wwchastain) November 25, 2014
- In a statement following the announcement of his departure, former bench coach Dave Martinez released a statement,“I informed the Rays this week that I have chosen to move forward and consider other opportunities that may present themselves outside the organization. It was a hard decision that I think is best for myself and the Rays. I want to thank our fans for their overwhelming support. It has meant the world to my family and me. For the past nine years, the players and staff have been an extension of my family and the memories that we have all shared and the relationships that have been built will stay with me forever. I can’t thank them enough for all they have meant to me.”
- The Rays will pay Martinez, though that can change if he gets hired elsewhere. Teams need permission to talk to Martinez, compensation is not usual in these cases.